Ver. 41. (THE STONE EzEL. )-The parting of friends. Friends sometimes part because they cease to esteem each other. They also sometimes part not in feeling, but only in space; not willingly, but under the constraint of a higher necessity; and their separation is one of the most painful trials of life. Such was the parting of Jona- than and David. " This is the culminating point in the mutual relations of the two friends who furnish the eternal type of the perfection of noble friendship ; and, moreover, in these last hours before their separation, all the threads of their destinies, henceforth so widely different, are secretly woven together. It is also at this point, consequently, that the clearest anticipation of the whole subsequent history already shines through. As Jonathan here foresees, David afterwards obtains the kingdom; and, in accordance with his oath to his friend, he afterwards, when a powerful king, always spares the descendants of Jonathan, in grateful remembrance of bis dearly- loved friend, and never loses an opportunity of showing them kindness" (Ewald). In their parting we observe- I. COURTESY. David "fell on bis face to the ground, and bowed himself three times." He did so not merely in external and courtier-like obeisance to the prince, but also in heartfelt esteem and homage to the friend, who had shown his fidelity in a g-reat crisis, virtually renounced the prospect of a kingdom for his sake and in obedience to what he saw to be the Divine purpose, und was worthy of the highest honour. True courtesy-1. Has its seat in the heart, and expresses itself in appro- priate speech and conduct in intercourse with others, according to the custom of the time and place and the relative position they occupy. The outward bearing, of itself, is morally worthless. It may be superficial and hypocritical. Yet" courtesy of feeling is very much acquired and promoted by cultivating courtesy of manner. Gentleness of munner has some influence on gentleness of life." 2. Is the opposite of selfishness and pride ( the chief causes of its absence) ; unsociableness, austerity, and moroseness ; coldness, reserve, and neglect; contemptuous demeanour, rudeness, and undue famili- arity. And it by no 1-1eans iP1plies obsequiousness or want of self-respect. 3. Con- sists of humility, benevolent regard for others, kindly consideration for their feelings even in little things, gentleness, and frankness. 4. Is attended with many advan- tagc11 ; commended by the examples recorded in the word of God, and enjoined by its 394 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CH. XX. 24-42.
precepts (Gen. xxm. 12; Luke vii. 44; •Acts xxviii. 7; Philemon). "Whatsoever things are lovely,'' &c. (Phil. iv. 8). "Ile courteous" (I Pet. ;ii. 8). II. TENDERNE~s. " And they kissed one another, and wept with one another until David exceeded" (LXX., "wept one with another with great lamentation'').' The· tenderness of their affection and grief was "wonderful." Something of the 'same tenderness-I. I_s commonly possessed by men of a brave and noble type of character. "There is in Drnid (as there is said to be in all great geniuses) a femmine as well as. a masculine vein ; a passionate tenderness, a keen sensibility, a vast capacity of sympathy, sadness, and suffering which makes him truly a type of the Man of sorrows '1· (Kingsley). 2. Is revealed in them by special circumstances, and is in such circum- stances worthy of them. 3. Is shown in 81fmpathy witli tlie trouble of otlters, rather than in grief occasioned by the deprivation of their friendship and aid. The loss. which David and Jonathan were each about to suffer by the separation was great; but they were chiefly affected by the thought of the trouble which awaited each. other: the one to become an outlaw and to be pursued with relentless malice ; the•: other to bear the frowns of his royal father, and witness his ruinous career, without. any consolation but that derived from the prospect of a better .time under the rule· of his chosen friend. 4. Appears in the restraint which is put upon the indulgence, of personal feeling, from concern for others' welfare. The interview might not- be prolonged. There was danger in delay. And Jonathan hastened the departure of: his friend, saying, "Go in peace." Equal tenderness appears in none. save those whose hearts are softened and pervaded by Divine grace (Acts xx. 37, 38; ui, 13), or in "the .Friend of sinners." III. PIETY, " Go in peace, forasmuch," &c. Their souls were " knit" to God'. before they were knit to each other ; the one was the cause of the other ; their. co,enant was made II in the name of Jehovah," and he would still be with them when they parted. The piety which is possessed in common alleviates and sanctifies the grief occasioned by the separation of friends. It appears in-I. The fellowsliip which is held with the eternal Friend and abides amidst all earthly changes. 2, Submission to his sovereign will, which appoints the lot of each and all (Acts xxi. 13), 3. Faitli in his overruling power and goodness, according to which "all things work· too-ether 0 for good "-the welfare of his people, the establishment of hie kingdom. 4. The wish and prayer for his continued presence and blessing. In him parted· friends may still meet, continue of II one heart and one soul," and obtain by their· prayers invaluable benefits for one another. IV. HOPEFULNESS. They did not part without the hope of meeting again in thib- life (whirh was fulfilled-eh. xxiii. 16), and doubtless also in the etemal 'h!)me to which God gathers his people. " Let it be considered what a melancholy thing any friendship would be that should be destined to expire with all its pleasurelJ and advantages at death. That is the worthy and happy friendship, and that alone, where the parties are zealously preparing and have a good hope to meet in a nobler scene" (J. Foster). The friendship which is formed and cherished in God is not dissolved. by death, but is renewed in "a life beyond life," and perpetuated for ever. "As for my friends, they are not lost ; The several vessels of thy fleet, Though parted now, by tempest tossed, Shall safely in the haven meet." D:
EXPOSITION. DAVID'S FLIGHT TO NOB, AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO THE PHILISTINES (CH. XXI.). '
evidently been removed thither by Saul CHAPTER XXI. early in his reign, after it had remained. for DATID B FLIGHT TO NoB (vers. 1-9). 0 twenty yea.rs iu the house of Abinadab ; ,and Ver. 1.-Then came David to Nob. Nob as eighty-five priests wearing an ephod were meaDB e. knoll or hill, and apparently was murdered there by Doeg at Saul's command aituared a little to the north of Jerusalem on (eh. xxii. 18, 19), it is plain that the wor- the road leading to Gath. The ark had ship of Jehovah ha.cl been rcstorncl by him CH. XXI. 1-15.] THE FinST BOOK OF SAMU EL.